Two 2026 bills would create a new Act for ACIC
ACIC reforms have won support from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, which backed two bills subject to 25 recommendations to strengthen safeguards and support a smooth transition to a new legal framework.
On 21 October 2026, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security presented to Parliament an advisory report for its Review of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission reform package 2026.
The package consists of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Bill 2026 and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (National Policing Information Charges) Bill 2026.
Together, the bills would establish the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, or ACIC, under a new Act. They would also clarify its role and enhance its ability to obtain, analyse, evaluate and communicate intelligence relevant to serious and organised crime.
Recommendations target ACIC coercive powers
Committee chair Senator Raff Ciccone said serious and organised crime causes extensive harm to the Australian community.
He said, “The ACIC is a key agency tasked with enhancing Australia’s response to this threat by collecting and communicating intelligence relating to serious and organised criminal activities.”
Ciccone said the committee supports the reforms because they will help clarify the ACIC’s mission and ensure its legal framework is appropriately adapted to its task.
He said the committee recommended amendments to improve clarity, accountability, oversight mechanisms and other safeguards, particularly in relation to the ACIC’s coercive powers.
Ciccone also said the recommendations will help ensure the public can have confidence that the reform package provides the right legislative settings for the ACIC’s long-term future and that the ACIC’s extraordinary powers are used only as intended to help keep Australians safe from serious and organised crime.
The full report and further information about the inquiry are available on the committee’s website at aph.gov.au/pjcis.
